# NTSB CHI95LA163: Schweizer G-164B, N6682K, E. Grand Forks, MN, June 1, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 1, 1995, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: E. Grand Forks, MN
- Coordinates: 47.93061, -97.009033 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.9306&lon=-97.0090&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9895
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9895/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA163

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wires.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,static
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE CONTACTED WIRES DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN.  THE PILOT STATED HE WAS AWARE OF THE LOCATION OF THE WIRES AND THAT HE MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE.  THE PILOT FLEW THE AIRPLANE BACK TO HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP AFTER STRIKING THE WIRES.

## Factual narrative

On June 1, 1995, at 1600 central daylight time, a Schweitzer G- 164B, N6682K, operated by Jenson Air Spray, collided with wires during a swath run over a field in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured.  The flight originated from a private airstrip in Grand Forks, North Dakota, at 1530 cdt.

The pilot stated that he was aware of the wires which crossed through the field he was spraying.  He stated during a telephone interview that he misjudged his clearance with the wires.  The pilot flew the airplane back to his private airstrip without incident after striking the wires.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6682K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6682K), registered now, S/N 416B, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer G-164B
- Registry model: [Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-acft-eng-cor-schweizer-g-164b) (registry code 3952802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 416B
- Airframe hours: 4000
- Engines: P&W R1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Jenson Air Spray
- Registered owner: John P. Jenson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 4, 1995, 3 hours before
- Departed: GRAND FORKS, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 21,000 total, 4,250 in this make and model, 15 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GFK, 3 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19950601019559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950601019559A), Jun 1, 1995: Scwzer G164B, Grand Forks, MN, Substantial damage. Flew into wires during aerial application flight. (-23) in a phone conversation pilot acknowledged flying into wires during aerial application of herbicide.…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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